16th March 2008

 

U 18 North West Counties Challenge Cup Final
Oldham St Annes 0 Pilkington Recs 30

A workmanlike performance from Pilkingtons saw them overcome a spirited Oldham St Annes side to lift the NWC Challenge Cup in front of a large crowd at Wigan St Pat’s Clarrington Park.
It was the Oldham side that started the brighter in a mistake littered first half when big defence from their robust pack, ably led by props Chris Clarke and Leo Casey forced Recs onto the back foot. Playing with a strong wind in their faces, Pilks struggled to cross the half way line, as the St Annes side went close, prompted by stand off Phil Jagger. However, that was to change on 11 minutes when Owen Livesey took a lovely ball from scrum half Danny Lynch on his own 40 metre line after good work from prop Mark Briody. The powerful centre crashed through two tackles before outpacing the St Annes cover to score wide out on the right. Smith missed the difficult conversion. St Annes continued to toil hard but it was Recs who were to increase their lead on 25 minutes with a carbon copy of their first score. Once again, it was outstanding centre Livesey, who did the damage, as he powered into space down Pilks right, crossing the whitewash in the corner. Smith again missed with the extras taking the score at half time to Oldham St Annes 0 Pilkington Recs 8.
The sides turned round in the second half and this time it was Recs that looked determined to dominate. MOM Jonno Peers began to punch holes in a tiring Oldham defence as Pilks forwards laid the foundation for half backs Danny Lynch and Greg Smith to take control but it was left to centre Sean Forber to be the next on the scoresheet. On a rare Oldham foray into Recs territory, Recs top try scorer Forber spied a speculative long ball along the St Annes line to intercept and race fully 60 metres to score under the posts. Smith added the extras to break the Oldham hearts and take the score to St Annes 0 Pilks 14. There was to be no way back for the Oldham outfit, as Recs took the play to them and Tom Connick was to increase the lead still further on 48 minutes with a fine individual effort. The tricky hooker scampered over for a typical score under the posts from dummy half and with Smith once again adding the extras, Recs were 20 points to the good.
Winger Kel Duffy then completed his own ‘fairytale’ debut Final with his first 4 pointer in Pilks colours. This time it was hardworking full back Danny Filson, who returned a St Annes clearance kick with interest, taking play deep into Oldham territory. From the play the ball, it was centre Owen Livesey who proved once again to be thorn in Oldham’s side when he drew two defenders to create space for Duffy to squeeze in at the corner on 59 minutes. Smith missed with the conversion. Oldham St Annes 0 Pilkington Recs 24.
With 5 minutes of the game remaining, Pilks had time for once more score and this time it was second rower Kurtis Marsh that was to cross for the points. Following a penalty, the hard working back rower took play to the St Annes line before spinning in the tackle and crashing through some tired defence to score under the posts. Smith added the extras and Recs had won their first silverware of the season. Final Score: Oldham St Annes 0 Pilkington Recs 30.
Oldham played their part in an entertaining Final with stand off Phil Jagger, prop Chris Clarke and loose forward Mike Arrowsmith catching the eye but they were not able to overcame the powerful running and pace of the Recs outfit. For Pilks, forwards Mark Briody, top tackler Ian Marren and MOM Jonno Peers did the damage, whilst half backs Smith and Lynch created the opportunities for outstanding centre Livesey and the other threequarters to wreak havoc. Recs now have 3 games left in the Milton Metals U18 Premiership before travelling to South Leeds Stadium to on 5th May to carry the hopes of the NWC in the BARLA National Cup Final.

Scorers:
Pilkington Recs: Tries- Livesey (2), Forber, Connick, Duffy, Marsh Goals: Smith (3)

Oldham St Annes: Waugh; Burke, Tattersall, Schofield, Cotton; Jagger, Edmondson (c); Clarke, Hamilton, Casey, Igoe, Melia, Arrowsmith. Subs: Mitchell, Harvey, Need, Jones
Pilkington Recs: Filson; Duffy, Livesey, Forber, Ranson; Smith (c), Lynch; Foreman, Marren, Briody, Marsh, Kean, Abbott. Subs: Peers, Knapper, Connick, Gravener

MOM: Jonno Peers ( Pikington Recs).